African American communities are disproportionately subjected to large amounts of environmental pollution and environmental hazards. However, little is known about their environmental concerns, understandings, and values. In the study reported in this paper, 24 African American parents from Houston, Texas were interviewed on their perspectives about nature and environmental education. Results showed that animals, plants, and parks played an important part in the lives of these parents and their families. Parents were also aware of the negative effects of environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, and garbage. Parents talked about such problems with their children, acted to help the environment, and believed it was important to live in harmony with nature. Five categories emerged which characterized parents' conceptions of what it means to live in harmony with nature, including living in balance with nature and respecting nature. Parents supported environmental education for their children and believed it was as important as drug education. Taken as a whole, parents spoke of their commitment to environmental issues and enjoyment of nature while remaining vividly aware of the difficulties which arise from urban poverty. Contains 39 references. (Author/JRH)